In recent years, motor vehicle fatalities have been on the decline, with an estimated 39,345 deaths occurring in 2024, marking a 3.8% decrease from 2023. Still, with over 235 million licensed drivers in the United States in 2022, car accidents remain an ongoing concern. Safely sharing the road is a priority, but becomes more complicated when modified or customized vehicles are involved. Determining fault and insurance coverage for modified cars can be tricky.
Jill Kolodner, an experienced auto accident attorney in Baltimore, MD, shares an overview of assigning liability after an accident and how insurance works for altered vehicles.
Determining Fault After a Car Accident
After a car accident, insurance companies investigate to assign fault based on negligence. This process is straightforward for stock vehicles, assessing factors like traffic signals, right of way, speeding, or distraction.
But modified vehicles, such as lowered cars, raised trucks, or those with enhanced engines, introduce new considerations. Even if the modifications did not directly cause the accident, they could potentially contribute to its severity.
An attorney experienced with car accidents and customized vehicles can help determine fault, especially in complex cases. They understand the technical factors and can effectively advocate for fair compensation with insurance providers.
Insurance Coverage for Modified Vehicles
Standard auto insurance policies often do not fully cover modified vehicles, especially those with significant alterations like custom engines or lowered suspensions. Insurance providers view these higher-performance vehicles as higher risk.
Of the over 8 million modified vehicles in the U.S. according to 2021 data, most owners make changes over time. It’s critical that drivers discuss modifications with insurance agents to ensure they have adequate coverage.
Even with coverage, insurers may total a modified vehicle after an accident if repair costs exceed its insured value. Since owners invest heavily in modifications, negotiating a fair payout can be difficult without legal guidance. Attorneys experienced with customized vehicles work to maximize settlement amounts.
Risks for Modified Vehicle Owners
While many modified vehicle enthusiasts take care while driving, they do face increased risk. Owners tend to be older, with an average age of 59 in 2021, and may have slower reflexes. Altered cars can be more challenging to control, with stiff suspensions, enhanced power, and decreased visibility.
If accidents occur, owners of customized vehicles are more likely to be deemed partially at fault, leading to higher insurance premiums. And they take on greater financial risk due to often inadequate insurance coverage and difficulty recovering modification investments.
Additionally, modified vehicles can be more susceptible to loss in collisions due to their unique parts and customizations. Repairing modified cars also takes more time, which can increase rental car costs. Furthermore, some insurers may choose to drop or not renew policies for owners of modified cars due to heightened perceived risks.
Planning Ahead for Modified Car Accidents
For owners of modified cars and trucks, working closely with insurance providers and attorneys helps ensure proper coverage and compensation if accidents happen. Taking proactive steps allows all drivers to feel confident in their vehicles, as we strive to promote road safety